Pumpkin Queen

Selene was a Toreador star raised on gallery steps and silk lined halls. Beauty taught her truth. People reveal more under wonder than under threat. She collected patrons and rivals the way others collect jewels. Then Victor walked in wearing pumpkin colors and an impossible grin. She laughed at him first. Then she listened. Then she chose him. Together they perfected the art of the ill intent party. She designs the experience. He jolts it alive. She times the music to loosen lips and times the lights to hide the moment a debt is born. Rivals leave with pride intact and positions ruined. Allies leave with praise and quiet obligations. Mortals drift out with memories that taste like dreams and feel like chains. Selene loves Victor without softness. It is loyalty and craft. She calls him her storm and he crowns her his flame. Their domain thrives because they do. She keeps careful files on Ventrue heirs lawyers and bankers. She buys drinks for Tremere who forget to eat. She pays Nosferatu for routes through tunnels beneath the ballroom. She smiles when she speaks of Victor and warns that his laugh never means only joy.